Running Times Guide to Socks

In terms of technological sophistication.

Remember the old poem that begins, "for the want of a nail, the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe, the horse was lost . . . " and culminates with a kingdom falling? When it comes to distance running, the sock might be the equivalent of that nail. The sock bridges the shoe to the foot, and if that connection is a rough one, all those months of training could be brought down by something as tiny as a nastily placed blister.

In the last half decade or so, socks have begun to catch up with shoes in terms of technological sophistication. Whereas 10 years ago a runners choice in socks was high or low cut and cotton or a blend, now theres an overwhelming choice of styles and materials, making it a certainty that youll be able to find a match for your foot and running style.

In the late 90s the sock revolution, or at least evolution, kicked into high gear with the introduction of CoolMax, a synthetic fiber known for its breathability and wicking power. The material allowed designers to experiment with the structure and construction of socks. That trend was accelerated in 2002 by the introduction of incredible Italian knitting machines that permitted socks to be virtually seamless, reducing a major cause of blisters and poor fit. Designers began creating models that varied in thickness to provide cushioning in high-impact areas and skinlike breathability in others. The pinnacle of this trend is now being seen in socks that are designed for left and right and for specific types of shoes. "What were seeing now is true anatomical fit," says Jeannie Zaveros, accessories product manager for ASICS, whose Kayano sock was the first example of this specialized design. "The goal is the complete integration of the sock, foot and shoe into a unit that works together."

These high-tech footsies dont come cheap, and Zaveros realizes consumers may experience sticker shock when they see a price tag of $15. "But the proof is in the pudding, or really the running," she says. When you consider how much time and money many runners invest in a marathon, paying a little more for a great pair of socks doesnt seem like such an extravagance.

In the end, though, the bottom line is how they feel, or more accurately, how your feet feel when wearing them. Just like shoes, there is no perfect sock for every runner; some favor a minimalist style, approximating running sockless, while others require a thicker, cushioned construction. Some like the feel of synthetic wicking materials while others swear by the properties of natural fibers or a blend of natural and synthetic. Some like different socks for different shoes or situations.

Given that fit and feel are very personal, no review can determine whether a sock is right for you. To help in sorting through the bewildering choice of new socks, however, we ran in a couple dozen models (you should see our laundry baskets), and report here on the key features of each.